Balancing your heating and cooling needs in between summer and autumn can seem like a fool’s game. Too hot during the day? Too cold at night? The transition season can have you putting your HVAC system into overdrive, which can result in excessive energy consumption, more stress on your HVAC system and higher utility bills. It’s only a few weeks, but those seasons that run both hot and cold can really put a burden on your energy budget.

Luckily, best practices can optimize your HVAC system regardless of how drastically the temperature swings. Transition seasons are the best time to schedule a heating and cooling inspection. Your A/C system just ran a marathon during the summer season and might need a few repairs and tweaks to ensure it’s in stellar shape for next summer. Your furnace or boiler has been taking a break, and (especially if you skipped your spring inspection) might not be in its best condition for the cooler months ahead. Get a professional on board, but make sure your household is committed to energy savings, too.

House Rules

Agree to a set temperature all day, which for many people can be in the upper 60s. If that’s not far from regular indoor temperatures without an HVAC system, you might be able to leave the settings 24/7 even when you’re at work. This will stop you from cranking the heat or A/C as soon as you walk in the door. An even better option is marrying smart technology with your HVAC, which allows you to program the thermostat so it is at your preferred setting when you arrive home.

It’s also critical to make sure vents are clean and clear. Unfortunately, many home builders put vents in inconvenient places, like right below windows where drapes and furniture can cover them. For both heating and cooling, you need clean vents and filters. Filters should be swapped at least every six months, and perhaps more often, depending on your usage.

How Low Can You Go?

Ideally, you’re aiming for a similar energy bill throughout the year. However, if you notice utility spikes heading into autumn, you’re not alone. To keep cool during an Indian summer, optimize cross breezes whenever possible and give your A/C a break. Snack on cold treats, dress in lighter clothing when indoors and utilize blinds to filter out sunlight that can heat up a room.

If it’s cranking the heat that has you in trouble, bundle up. Bake more, which can naturally heat a home (and your family, from the belly out). Optimize sunlight, which brightens rooms, gives you a little extra vitamin D and can help keep homes warm.

Upgrading your insulation, doors and windows can also drastically reduce energy consumption and help out your entire HVAC system.

For more tips, contact Sandy Heating & Air Conditioning during this transitional season and enjoy an optimized heating and cooling solution.

In the dead heat of summer, furnace repair, inspections and maintenance are probably the last things on your mind. However, August is actually prime time to make sure your HVAC system is ready for the cooler months. Most of the procrastinators who waited until the first heat wave to get their air conditioner serviced have been taken care of, and throughout Utah the summer busy season for HVAC professionals is coming to a close. However, the winter busy season is about to get started, particularly once that first chilly night in September rolls around.

You don’t want to be stuck with poor heating come autumn, which makes right now the best time to get your boiler or furnace into shape. You probably haven’t used it since the spring thaw, and it may have been over a year since your last inspection. Even if you recall your heating system working flawlessly last winter, that doesn’t mean much. It could be needlessly consuming extra energy and therefore costing you money. You may need a small repair that could lead to a big repair if it’s not taken care of, and a few tweaks in the maintenance department could extend the life and efficiency of your heating system dramatically.

Summer Heating Checklist

A reputable HVAC company will schedule an appointment that’s convenient for you, but it’s still a good idea to book ahead, during non-peak seasons. When calling for a heating inspection and maintenance check, write down any concerns you may have. Go back to your winter utility bills and jot down the average price and energy consumption. What seems normal to you may be far from it. Luckily, your HVAC professional can tell you if your energy bills are pointing to something being amiss.

HVAC systems also need to be regularly serviced so that you can maintain proper indoor air quality. If air isn’t being filtered correctly, it can lead to dusty homes, allergen buildup and even black mold growth. A dry heat can be devastating to your furniture, causing cracking, while too much humidity can make it difficult to breathe while encouraging fungi growth. Don’t forget about the V (ventilation) in HVAC, since both your heat and A/C depend upon it.

The Early Bird

Getting your HVAC system in tip-top shape puts you ahead of the curve so you can go into back-to-school season a little more comfortably. Go ahead and schedule that annual harvest party, pumpkin-carving contest or leaf-raking party. When you know your home is going to be cozy and comfortable, you’re more inclined to entertain and usher in the fall season in style.

Don’t leave your HVAC maintenance to the last minute. Call Sandy Heating & Air Conditioning to schedule your furnace inspection or repair so you have peace of mind well before Labor Day.

When you buy a new air conditioner, you want installation — pronto. Unfortunately, many Utah residents wait until the middle of a heat wave before buying a new air conditioner, and by July, many HVAC technicians are overbooked. That’s why you need to find and build a relationship with a local air conditioning and heating professional before your current systems conks out permanently. With proper management and a comprehensive team of experts, the most reputable of HVAC repair shops can fit your installation in no matter how blistering the summer may be.

However, “How long is this going to take?” is a loaded question. It depends on many factors, including the type, make and model of your air conditioner. For example, a simple window unit can be installed in just a few minutes. Repairing or replacing a central A/C system can take longer, depending on what issues are happening with the current system. As a general rule of thumb, the less you can see of an A/C system, the longer it may take to install — sometimes simply because access can be tricky.

Cool and Collected

The good news is that, barring any extenuating circumstances, most A/C installations are done in no more than a couple of hours. During this time, you might want to do a little job shadowing so you can learn about your new system. Homeowners can do some maintenance themselves, like swapping out filters monthly during the summer. A quality HVAC technician will show you how to do this (although you can also call in the professionals if you’d like). Homeowners who have been taught how to inspect their system can also watch out for red flags.

For example, leaks, wonky gauges and strange smells all indicate that something’s awry. During installation, your technician can show you some A/C basics and tell you about potential issues and warning signs your particular HVAC system may present. A quality technician is there to help, and is at the ready when a real disaster strikes — but also wants to equip you with the knowledge necessary for easy, fast fixes.

Planning Ahead

Ideally, you’ve had your current A/C inspected and know how much life it has left. However, sudden breaks can and do happen. It’s best to replace your air conditioner, if necessary, in the spring, but sometimes a summer rush job is in order. If Utah is experiencing extreme heat and you’re without air conditioning, a compassionate HVAC technician and company will prioritize your home. Every year, Americans die of heatstroke, and you deserve to be comfortable in your home.

Your air conditioner installation won’t take long, but make sure you do proper research on the systems and the technicians. Call Sandy Heating & Air Conditioning today for air conditioner installation from a local professional.